coin of Arcadius 378 - 383

Editor: This is a coin of Arcadius from the Harvard Art Museums. It has a tarnished, aged patina that really speaks to its history. What can you tell me about it? Curator: This coin, though small, speaks volumes about power structures. Arcadius, an emperor often overshadowed, ruled during a tumultuous period. Consider the image—does it portray strength or vulnerability? How might this coin have functioned within the broader economic and social fabric, influencing perceptions of imperial authority? Editor: That's fascinating. It’s amazing to consider it as more than just currency. Curator: Exactly. It’s a form of propaganda, a symbol of control, and a reflection of the emperor's carefully curated image—all circulating among diverse populations. Editor: Thanks, it really puts it into perspective. Curator: Indeed. Each coin whispers narratives of power, identity, and resistance.